523 



From what we know at present these Manihots would appear 

 to grow much faster in the first year than Hevea brasiliensis does, 

 but whether the same rate of growth is maintained in the second 

 and succeeding years remains to be seen. 



Manihot dichotoma would appear to be the better tree from a 

 planter's point of view attaining as it does a fair size. According to 

 Dr. Ule M. piauhyensis is often not more than a shrub 6 feet tall and 

 is obviously unsuited for practical purposes. 



A third species has been mentioned recently, namely Manihot 

 heptaphylla the " S. Francisco Manicoba," but of it we know very 

 little although it is said to yield rubber of good quality. 



Judging by the record of Ceara Rubber {Manihot Glaziovii) in 

 Malaya in the past it is extremely doubtful if the Manicobas will 

 ever be taken up in preference to Para. Hevea brasiliensis has 

 everything to recommend it at the present moment and is eminently 

 suited to our climate. Planters will therefore be well advised not to 

 expend money on these new species of Manihots until something 

 more is known of their reputed good qualities. — 



T. W. Main. 



SHORTAGE OF THE SUPPLY OF PARA RUBBER. 



Heavy and increasing demands from America. 



The continued high price ruling for raw rubber, which is now 

 round about 8s per lb. has induced many investors to submit 

 inquiries asking us for information as to the present market position. 



The rubber standard of value is the "spot" price of hard Para, 

 wild forest grown, and the market has now to face a natural shortage 

 in this product, with the result that for the first time on record the 

 value of wild has risen above that of plantation grown sorts of the 

 best brands, and has also caused quotations for forward shipments 

 to rise, This situation is causing manufacturers to make only "hand 

 to month" purchases in the fervent hope that something will happen 

 to cause the price to drop. Tonsumers complain that the market is 

 being manipulated by speculators, but this does not rest on any 

 tangible evidence. The only matter of uncertainty is that no one 

 knows what the actual production in Brazil amounts to or is like to 

 be, owing to the various difficulties surrounding its collection and 

 transport. 



As is well-known, the chief sources of wild growths are in the 

 districts of the Amazon and its tributaries, whence it is brought 

 down by boats or pack mules to Para and Manaos. It is cured before 

 being moved, and therefore is ready for immediate shipment or for 

 stocking at these ports, a universal marketable commodity. It is 

 about the only commodity of its class which is not sold from sample. 



